Melatonin (video game)
| Melatonin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Half Asleep Games |
| Publisher(s) | Half Asleep Games |
| Director(s) | David Huynh |
| Engine | Unity[1] |
| Platform(s) | macOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows, PlayStation 5 |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Rhythm |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Melatonin is a 2022 rhythm video game released by indie developer Half Asleep for Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
It received positive reviews and was praised for its art style and music, with criticism directed towards its short length.
Gameplay
[edit]Melatonin is a rhythm game that takes place in a dream world of an unnamed male protagonist with 20 levels. Unlike a traditional rhythm game, it lacks overlays, relying instead on visual and auditory cues. The minigames, which are similar to Rhythm Heaven, are played against Lo-fi music.
In addition to its main game, the game has a level editor to create new minigames.
Development and release
[edit]Melatonin was developed by Canadian developer David Huynh, who had previously worked in graphic design. [2] Announced in Wholesome Game's 2022 Summer game fest,[3] It was first released for the Nintendo Switch and Steam on December 15, 2022.
A version for the PlayStation 5 was released on March 12th, 2024.[4] In addition, the game's soundtrack was released on vinyl, in a two part LP, by the company iam8bit.[5]
Reception
[edit]| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | Switch: 87/100 PC: 77/100 |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Life | 7/10[6] |
| TouchArcade | 4.5/5 |
According to Metacritic, both the Switch and PC versions of Melatonin were given "Generally Favorable" reviews.[7]
Hardcore Gamer's review praised the graphics and gameplay, describing it as "Cleverly-orchestrated, if sadly a little on the abrupt side due to its short run-time".[8] Game Rant praised the music and gameplay, but criticized the difficulty and the short length.[9] Nintendo Life praised the aesthetic and accessibility options, but criticized the short length and difficulty, saying "It doesn't fill the Rhythm Heaven-shaped hole in the Switch's portfolio, but instead it creates a dreamy new space filled with cotton candy colour, energy, and, most importantly, fun."[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Made with Unity Monthly: December 2022 roundup". Unity Technologies. 6 January 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ Bashir, Dale (31 May 2022). "Explore Melodic Dreamscapes in 'Melatonin' By Vietnamese-Canadian Developer Half Asleep". IGN Southeast Asia. Archived from the original on 3 June 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ Valentine, Rebekah (11 June 2022). "Wholesome Direct: Everything Announced, Including Little Bear Chef, Bubblegum Galaxy, and Melodyssey". IGN. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ "Melatonin PS5 release date: Latest news on the rhythm action game". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 10 March 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ Allen, Richard (25 June 2024). "Iam8bit and Half-Asleep partner to release soundtrack for indie rhythm game Melatonin on two-disc lavender vinyl". GAMINGTREND. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ a b See-Tho, Michelle (3 January 2023). "Review: Melatonin (Switch) – This Is The Rhythm (Heaven) Of The Night". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ "Melatonin". www.metacritic.com. Archived from the original on 29 February 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ Helm, Jordan (12 December 2022). "Review: Melatonin". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on 12 December 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ Bramlett, Samuel William (21 December 2022). "Melatonin Review". Game Rant. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2024.